Guardiola vows Manchester City will return stronger after losing spirit

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City lacked hunger this season but promises a renewed push in 2025.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pauses ahead of the Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on April 22, 2025. Photo by Alex Dodd/CameraSport

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City lost their spirit and competitive edge during a challenging campaign, but has promised fans that the team will return stronger and more determined next season. The City manager, who has led the club through one of the most dominant periods in English football history, said his players lacked hunger and emotional intensity—traits that had defined their recent success.

Currently sitting third in the Premier League, Manchester City are seeking to salvage what has been a disappointing year by securing a Champions League spot and lifting the FA Cup. Guardiola’s men are set to face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday, a do-or-die clash that could define their season. A loss would leave the team without a major trophy for the first time since the 2016–17 season.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, Guardiola reflected on the downturn in form and morale throughout the squad, pinpointing a moment in their recent 2-1 victory over Aston Villa as a sign of rediscovered unity and drive.

“When Bernardo scored the first goal on Tuesday, we celebrated like we hadn’t in months,” Guardiola said. “The passion, the body language, the feeling—it was different. We weren’t like that earlier in the season. Back in October, we would score and it felt routine, automatic. That stupid little detail—how we celebrate—tells you everything about our spirit.”

Restoring the fire that fueled Manchester City’s dynasty

Guardiola emphasized that his main focus heading into the 2025 season will be to rebuild the team’s internal bond and restore the emotional energy that once made them nearly unbeatable.

“We have to bring back that special spirit we had in the first nine years,” he continued. “This year, it just hasn’t been there. But I believe next season will be better—because we’ve learned a lot from this.”

His comments come as Manchester City prepare for a critical run-in. With four Premier League matches remaining and a tight battle for top-five positions, every point could prove decisive. Securing Champions League qualification is essential—not just for financial reasons but for reaffirming the club’s standing among Europe’s elite.

Rodri’s leadership off the pitch inspires Guardiola

Guardiola also praised Spain international Rodri, who despite being sidelined with a knee injury since September, has taken on a pseudo-coaching role among the squad.

“I love that,” said Guardiola. “The guy isn’t playing but I let him act as a manager because he brings leadership and motivation. That’s how you build a team—it’s something special.”

Rodri’s involvement from the sidelines is just one of the small signs that Manchester City may be rediscovering their edge. Guardiola hopes such moments can be the foundation for a revitalized squad next season.

City targeting FA Cup final amid pressure to end season with silverware

The FA Cup presents City with their last realistic shot at silverware this term. Having won the trophy in 2023 and narrowly lost the 2024 final to Manchester United, they are aiming to reach their third straight final. Yet, standing in their way is a dangerous Nottingham Forest side led by Nuno Espírito Santo, who guided his team to a 1-0 win over City in the league in March.

“It would be great to make the final,” Guardiola admitted. “But we know Forest are a tough team. Nuno has done an incredible job with them.”

Despite reaching seven straight FA Cup semi-finals under Guardiola, City have only claimed the trophy twice during that span—a statistic that underscores both the high standards and the unmet expectations surrounding the club.

Guardiola concedes season has not met Manchester City’s standards

Regardless of the FA Cup outcome, Guardiola was frank in his assessment of the campaign. “This season hasn’t been good,” he said. “Even if we win the cup or qualify for the Champions League, too many matches were below our level. That’s the truth.”

While he acknowledged that winning the FA Cup would “avoid bigger damage” to the club’s reputation, he stressed that the Premier League performance remains the ultimate measuring stick for Manchester City.

“The Premier League is what dictates the season,” Guardiola said. “We’ve fallen short there, and we know it.”

Planning ahead: Guardiola eyes squad changes and psychological reset

Looking ahead to the 2025 campaign, Guardiola hinted at potential changes—not only in tactics or personnel, but in the mentality of the group.

“This year has been a lesson. We’ve realized that winning can make you complacent. It’s human nature, but it’s dangerous in football,” he said. “We’ll have to change that. We’ll have to come back hungrier, with the same fire we had when we were chasing our first titles.”

While the manager did not go into specifics regarding possible transfers or reshuffles, he emphasized that the biggest shift must happen in the dressing room.

“I’m not saying we’ll win everything next year,” he added. “But we’ll be more ourselves again. That’s what I want. That’s what the fans deserve.”

Manchester City fans urged to stay patient during transition

Guardiola closed his remarks with a message for supporters, encouraging patience and belief in the club’s direction despite the recent setbacks.

“Our fans have been incredible through the highs and the lows. They’ve seen us dominate, and now they’re seeing us struggle. That’s football. But I promise, we will be back.”

The rebuilding process for Manchester City may not involve sweeping structural changes, but rather a deep introspective shift—one that starts with recovering the fire and unity that once made them one of the most feared sides in Europe.

As the curtain begins to fall on a frustrating season, Guardiola’s pledge is clear: Manchester City’s resurgence will begin now, not in August. With the manager already focused on renewal and redemption, the next chapter could see the club regain its formidable identity, starting with Sunday’s crucial test at Wembley.